While a glock factory barrel will have no problem supplementing the design and use of the original Glock models, there are many reasons why competition shooters often replace their oem barrel with some of the best aftermarket glock barrels.
That said, there are plenty of options on the market and looking for some of the best aftermarket glock barrels can be a little overwhelming. As such, we have come up with a guide on how you should search for the best aftermarket glock barrels and some of our top picks.
Aftermarket Glock Barrels | Name | Editor’s Comment | Rating | Get The Deal |
---|---|---|---|---|
Grey Ghost Precision Glock Pistol Slide with RMS-C Cut | Most Recommended 1. Good range of barrel choice | 10/10 | SHOP NOW | |
ZEV Technologies PRO Match Grade Threaded Barrel | 1. Pre-hardened chromium stainless steel 2. Great accuracy 3. Nice choice of finish | 9.5/10 | SHOP NOW | |
Faxon Firearms Glock Flame Fluted Threaded Barrel | 1. Quality construction 2. Spiral rifling 3. Affordable | 9.0/10 | SHOP NOW | |
Lone Wolf Dist. – AlphaWolf Barrels For Glock | 1. Good quality 2. Barrel threaded design 3. Drop in installation | 8.5/10 | SHOP NOW | |
Victory First – Brownells edition Glock Gen 5 Barrels | 1. Excellent value 2. Recessed crown | 8.0/10 | SHOP NOW |
Factors to Consider When Looking at the Best Aftermarket Glock Barrels
Caliber
As Glock owners will know, the handgun is actually available in a wide range of calibers. This essentially means you’ll need to go for replacement barrels that will match your Glock handgun’s caliber. While this may appear to be stating the obvious, it’s extremely important to understand that through a simple barrel and magazine swap, some Glock models actually can be converted to chamber different calibers.
Glock specifically designed some of their pistol models to allow this so shooters can take full advantage of the less expensive ammunition and benefit from lighter recoil. When it comes to swapping out your Glock barrel, you must always make sure that the type of caliber is the one you intend to use.
Barrel length; Threaded or Non-threaded?
Aftermarket Glock barrels often come in a wide range of lengths. You should always look for a replacement barrel that matches the original factory length. If you don’t plan to attach a suppressor, compensator, or any muzzle device on your Glock, getting an unthreaded Glock barrel will be fine and plus, they are cheaper too.
That said, if you do intend to attach a suppressor or a compensator on your replacement barrel, you might want to consider investing in a threaded glock barrel. While you might be paying a little more for the barrel, you’ll definitely save more money in the long run. This is because if one day you discover that you’d want a non threaded barrel, a complete replacement will be required and you must be prepared to fork out at least $100 for this.
Finish Options
This really depends on what style and aesthetics suit you better. While the factory glock barrels are solid, they come in a ‘Tenifer’ finish. This is largely due to their durability, robustness, and corrosion resistant finish. There’s no doubt that these factory glock barrels are solid and reliable as hell, but they sure aren’t pretty.
There are plenty of aftermarket glock barrels that are more solid, reliable and pretty at the same time! You may opt for aftermarket glock barrels that come with a Titanium Nitride, Stainless Steel, or a Cerakote finish. Cerakote finishes will come in just about every color you can imagine and many shooters actually fancy it in an aftermarket glock barrel.
5 Best Aftermarket Glock Barrels – Only the Finest for You
1. Lone Wolf Dist. – AlphaWolf Barrels For Glock
Specifications
- Cartridge: 9 mm Luger/40 S&W/357 SIG
- Barrel Length: 4.49″
- Finish: Black
- Style: Drop-In, Match Grade
- Designed for lead, plated, or jacketed ammunition
- Heat treated to RC 40-42
- Salt Bath Nitride finish
Features
If you didn’t know, Lone Wolf has been working very hard to be where they are today – the leader of Glock aftermarket barrels. When it comes to manufacturing Glock aftermarket barrels, Lone Wolf doesn’t simply produce your everyday Glock OEM replica, they take a few steps forward by constructing a wide range of unique Glock aftermarket barrels.
If you are looking for an aftermarket barrel to significantly increase your shooting accuracy, you will love the Lone Wolf Alpha Wolf range of barrels. This line of aftermarket Glock barrels should be the benchmark when it comes to achieving excellent accuracy and reliability from your Glock handgun.
These aftermarket glock barrels were specifically designed to take lead plated or jacketed ammunition. Lone Wolf decided to ditch the hex rifling for traditional rifling. Hence, the benefit of this is that you’ll be able to shoot lead ammo on this Lone Wolf barrel without ever having to worry about dangerous buildup of deposits which Glock constantly warns against with their factory barrels.
In terms of barrel length, they have plenty for you to choose from. When it comes to longevity and reliability, you won’t have any issues with the Lone Wolf Alpha Wolf range of barrels as these aftermarket Glock barrels were treated to RC 40-42 standards and coated in a Nitride salt bath. As such, you know the Lone Wolf Alpha Wolf match barrels are going to last you for quite sometime even if you often shoot under unfavourable weather conditions.
One of the biggest differences between the usual Glock OEM barrels and the Alpha Wolf aftermarket Glock barrel lies in the barrel threading design. This threading design is something you won’t find in Glock’s factory barrels/stock barrels. Besides having great shooting accuracy on your Glock handgun models, mounting suppressors and other muzzle devices are also extremely easy.
You will like this product if:
You are planning on mounting a suppressor. One of the biggest and best differences between an Alpha Wolf and a Glock OEM and/or factory barrel is the option of barrel threading. This is something that Glock simply doesn’t do. If you are planning to mount a suppressor on your Glock models, not having a threaded barrel can turn a simple attachment into the world’s biggest headache.
You plan to convert your Glock’s caliber. The coolest thing about Lone Wolf’s barrels is perhaps the conversion kits. If you didn’t know, Lone Wolf actually has a number of different barrels that convert various Glock models from one caliber to another. As such, you can easily turn your Glock 35 into a .357, your Glock 29 into a .40 S&W, and so on.
You might not like this product if:
You are an amateur shooter. Unless you are shooting in a 3Gun competition or anything of this sort, you probably won’t notice a significant difference between your OEM barrel and this Alpha Wolf variant. That said, you’ll still enjoy the Lone Wolf’s conversion kits, threaded feature, and the fact that it allows you to safely fire lead plated or jacketed ammunition.
2. ZEV Technologies PRO Match Grade Threaded Barrel
Specifications
- Gun Model: Glock 17 Gen 1, Glock 17 Gen 2, Glock 17 Gen 3, Glock 17 Gen 4
- Color: Black
- Fabric/Material: 416R Stainless Steel
- Threads per Inch: 1/2×28
- 416R Rifle Barrel Quality Stainless Steel
- Match grade drop in barrel
- Final dimension of +/- 0.003? for consistency and accuracy
- SAAMI spec. Match chambers
- Rifled with a 1 in 10? twist rate
Features
If Lone Wolf is known as the king of Glock suppliers, then ZEV Technologies is definitely doing a good job in chasing their tail in being one of the best barrel manufacturers. If you are looking to stylishly upgrade your Glock firearms, you’d want to consider aftermarket products from ZEV Technologies.
Introducing the ZEV Technologies PRO Threaded Barrel. Not only is this aftermarket barrel super stylish when fitted, it will also deliver excellent accuracy. If you know a thing or two about modding Glock pistols, you should be familiar with Zev due to the fact that they manufacture some of the coolest slides and most responsive triggers for Glock models.
The ZEV Technologies PRO Threaded Barrel doesn’t only come in pretty colors like bronze and stainless steel, they are also constructed with high quality match grade steel. This shows that not only is this aftermarket block barrel resilient, it will also be able to withstand any excessive pressure from suppressed shooting.
Talking about suppressors, yes, as the name suggests, this is a threaded Glock barrel and it is the one you’re looking for. Unlike the some other aftermarket Glock barrels, mounting a suppressor on a Glock has never been made easier with the ZEV Technologies PRO.
Another great thing about this barrel is its increased versatility. While the Glock OEM replicas/barrels are almost perfect in every way, they will restrict you to only FMJ (full metal jacketed) rounds. With the ZEV Technologies PRO Threaded Barrel, you can opt to shoot less expensive lead rounds safely and accurately as they don’t come with the traditional polygonal rifling.
You will like this product if:
You want an aftermarket barrel that’s built to last. The best thing about this match barrel isn’t its flashy appearance or ability to spit out lead bullets, it’s its enhanced durability that comes along with the pre-hardened stainless steel barrel. ZEV also somehow managed to make these barrels resistant against friction and corrosion.
You want easy installation. As an added bonus, all of ZEV’s barrels feature a drop-in design. As such, you won’t have to seek help from a professional gunsmith when swapping out your OEM barrel for this bad boy.
You might not like this product if:
You are on a tight budget. While ZEV barrels deliver an incredible value to every Glock owner, it isn’t exactly the most affordable aftermarket barrel on the market. If you have a tight budget, this might be beyond your budget. That said, if you are willing to invest a little more in getting better returns in the long run, you can’t go wrong with a ZEV Glock barrel.
3. Faxon Firearms Glock Flame Fluted Threaded Barrel
Specifications
- Color: Ti-N Gold
- Finish:Salt Bath Nitride and TiN PVD
- Fabric/Material: 416R Stainless Steel
- Barrel Profile: Flame
- Threads per Inch: 1/2×28
- Barrel Twist Rate: 1-10
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Gun Make: Glock
Features
While Faxon is relatively new to the aftermarket Glock world, their AR-15 barrels, handguards, and BCGs (Bolt Carrier Groups) have been impressing all of us for quite some time. If you want your Glock to have great accuracy and look great, you’d want to consider the Faxon aftermarket Glock barrels.
The Faxon aftermarket glock barrel is available in both standard duty and match designs. Just by taking a look at these barrels and you’ll know what your Glock handgun will be one of a kind when it comes to being unique and having an original design.
These barrels are constructed with high quality 416R Stainless steel and hence, you know were built to last. You won’t experience any failures even after putting a couple hundred rounds. As such, you don’t have to worry about looking for a replacement anytime soon. This is what you should expect from one of the best aftermarket glock barrels.
In terms of accuracy, you will notice a significant difference between the Faxon match barrel and a stock barrel, especially when shooting the 115 gr. Rounds. Besides having great accuracy, these Faxon barrels are also threaded to make your life easier when mounting any suppressors or muzzle devices.
If you are into getting great quality aftermarket products, you would be familiar with all the other Faxon aftermarket products already. Like you would expect, Faxon does it again with its Glock barrels. A stock new barrel is going to cost you around $140 while these Tin coated and flame fluted threaded barrels only cost $220. For the Glock 19 variant their threaded barrels are going to be a little cheaper.
You will like this product if:
You want a great all rounder. The bottom line is that these Faxon threaded barrels are one of the best Glock barrels you can get for your next build or upgrade. You will notice a significant difference in terms of accuracy, especially if you are using the lighter 115 gr bullets. Besides getting great accuracy, your Glock pistol will also look one of a kind, hitting 2 birds with 1 stone.
You are shopping on a budget. The stock Glock barrels are already going to cost you $140 and they aren’t Tin coated and threaded. For only around $220, you can get a Tin coated or flame fluted barrel which is also threaded for you to mount any suppressors and muzzle devices. If you are shopping on a budget and you’re looking for great value, you’re looking at the Faxon aftermarket glock barrel.
4. Grey Ghost Precision Glock Pistol Slide with RMS-C Cut
Specifications
- Gun Make: Glock
- Gun Model: Glock 43
- Fabric/Material: 17-4PH stainless steel
- Additional Features: Diamond Checkering Pattern
- All slides are stripped slides
- Machined from 17-4PH Stainless Steel to have tighter tolerances than a factory slide
- Finished in Diamond-Like Coating
- Compatible with OEM parts and barrels
Features
If you are looking for a match grade aftermarket Glock slide and barrel combo that looks and shoots great, you will love the Grey Ghost Precision (GGP) barrel and slide combo. If you didn;’t know, these GGP Glock slides are a collaboration with Aero Precision. As such you know these aftermarket Glock barrels will have great accuracy, fit/feel, and shoot incredibly well with standard sights and RMR red dots.
In terms of looks, these slides along with the glock barrel look amazing. The V1 variant comes with lightning cuts which would reduce the front weight a little while the V2 variant comes with cool ‘Geo Scales’ for you to enjoy a very positive grip as you shoot throughout the day.
The Grey Ghost is definitely one of the best aftermarket glock match barrel in terms of reliability. While it has a pretty tight tolerance, it lends itself incredibly well to accuracy. While it will take a little time and lubrication to break in, your Glock pistol will be flawless after the first 50 rounds. This slide/barrel combo is going to work well with most rounds. But if you are using the 115 gr American Eagle, you will be impressed by the Grey Ghost’s accuracy.
The bottom line is that you can’t go wrong with the GGP’s Glock slide and barrel offerings. They look awesome, have great balance, and shoot more accurately than your regular oem barrel and stock barrel. In terms of price, the GGP is pretty reasonable and isn’t that expensive when compared to some of the best aftermarket Glock barrels. This is why it’s one of the best aftermarket Glock barrel/slide combos you can find on the market.
You will like this product if:
You want some of the best looking aftermarket Glock barrels. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder..and to most shooters, this piece is simply a beauty. Besides looking great, the lightning cuts from the V1 and ‘Geo Scales’ from the V2 also comes with practical features such as reducing muzzle weight and providing a better grip.
You plan to mount Trijicon’s RMR sights. One of the most outstanding features about this barrel and slide combo is that you can opt to order them already cut for Trijicon’s RMR. While it has a very tight tolerance, you know it’s not going anywhere once you tapped it in.
You might not like this product if:
You want it great out of the box. Unfortunately, these aftermarket accessories come with pretty tight tolerances and you might have some problem putting them on your stock Glock frames without some lubrication and at least 50 rounds to warm it up. That said, this is a pretty common occurrence for market barrels and hence, it isn’t something that should stop you from buying.
5. Victory First – Brownells edition Glock Gen 5 Barrels
Specifications
- Chambered in 9mm
- Available for G17 & G19 Gen 5 pistols
- Thread pitch: 1/2×28 TPI
- Twist rate: 1:10 RH
- Precision quality control checked
- Nitride coating
Features
If you didn’t know, Glock OEM barrels incorporate something called ‘polygonal rifling’. While this sort of rifling will allow you to achieve the best muzzle velocity for your ammunition, they aren’t as precise as land and groove rifling. Furthermore, if you plan to shoot cast lead bullets, you’re not gonna like the conventional polygonal rifling.
If you share the same concerns for polygonal rifling barrels, you’ll love the Victory First Brownells Edition Glock Barrel as it uses traditional rifling to tighten the organic precision of your Glock pistol and provides you with enhanced performance even with cheap cast lead ammunition.
While you might get slightly lower muzzle velocities than your Glock OEM barrels, the difference is negligible and in return, you will be getting excellent terminal ballistics with defensive ammunition.
The Victory First Glock barrel is machined from 416R stainless steel and comes with a matte black nitride finish. Hence, you know that this barrel is just as durable, if not more durable than your usual OEM barrel, both inside and out.
Furthermore, the Victory First barrel is even crowned to protect the rifling so you can deliver more consistent shot groups. This is essentially the same as the Glock Gen 5 OEM barrel, but it’s a major improvement if you are upgrading from a Gen 4 barrel. While this barrel might not be super flashy, it’s one of the best Glock upgrades you can get that won’t disturb its standard aesthetics at a reasonable price tag.
You will like this product if:
You want great reliability. By adopting traditional rifling, this barrel is going to tighten the organic precision of your Glock pistol. Furthermore, you can also rely on this new barrel safely when shooting cheap cast lead bullets on the range unlike most Glock barrels that adopt polygonal rifling.
You want something that’s built to last. This model was machined from 416R stainless steel and it comes with a matte black nitride finish. As such, you know that this barrel is going to be just as durable, if not more durable than the regular OEM barrels. This is one of the reasons why this is one of the best aftermarket Glock barrels on the market.
You might not like this product if:
You want the best muzzle velocity. Due to the incorporation of traditional rifling, the downside is that the barrel will deliver a slightly lower muzzle velocity than your OEM barrels. That said, the difference is almost negligible and in return, you’ll get great terminal ballistics with defensive ammunition that makes it the best Glock new barrel on the market at this price.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who Makes The Best Glock Barrels?
Grey Ghost makes the best aftermarket barrels which is the Grey Ghost Precision for the high accuracy shots, reliability and durability. Plus, these aftermarket parts are very aesthetics and compatible with RMR red dot sights which would improve your overall shooting experience.
Hello there, it’s Michael here. A gun lover since young, served the country for the last 20 years. I started the blog to share my experience and gun-related knowledge accumulated throughout the years. Hopefully, you will find something useful over here or just have fun! You can learn more about me here.